Skip to content

6. Computational Couture

Research & Ideation

describe what you see in this image * Wired - Wired

Computational Couture refers to the application of digital technology, computational design, and fabrication techniques in fashion to create innovative, customized, and often structurally complex garments. It combines computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modeling, and digital fabrication processes—like 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling—to craft clothing that can push the boundaries of traditional garment-making.

Key Aspects of Computational Couture Algorithmic and Parametric Design: Designers use algorithms to generate patterns or shapes that are mathematically driven, resulting in designs that are highly customized and adaptable. For instance, parametric software can generate garment shapes based on specific measurements or preferences, allowing for individualized fit and form.

Digital Fabrication: Techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting enable the creation of intricate patterns and structures that are challenging or even impossible to achieve by hand. This is often seen in avant-garde designs that have a sculptural, architectural quality.

Customization and Personalization: Computational Couture can allow consumers to customize their garments, selecting or even modifying design parameters. This degree of personalization can result in unique items tailored to fit specific body shapes or stylistic preferences, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable approach to fashion.

Sustainability: By using on-demand digital fabrication, Computational Couture can reduce waste in the fashion industry. Pieces are often made only when requested, and the use of algorithms can optimize material usage. Computational techniques can also enable the use of alternative materials, such as biofabricated or recycled materials, furthering sustainability efforts.

Fashion as Data-Driven Art: Computational Couture can also involve translating data into garment form, making it a cross between art, fashion, and technology. Designers may use data inputs to shape or pattern garments, creating clothing that can visually represent anything from environmental data to personal information, blending fashion with information aesthetics.

Examples of Computational Couture 3D Printed Garments: Designers like Iris van Herpen have used 3D printing to create intricate, sculptural clothing that showcases the capabilities of computational design and fabrication. Algorithmic Knitting or Weaving: Some designers use code to generate knitting or weaving patterns that can then be manufactured by digital knitting machines, creating highly complex textiles. Personalized Garment Generation: Startups and designers may offer personalized garment generation where body measurements or personal design inputs can create custom-fitted, unique clothing items on demand.

In essence, Computational Couture is redefining fashion by integrating advanced technology and design methodologies, leading to more creative, inclusive, and sustainable fashion innovations. It is a movement that blurs the line between technology and art, transforming how clothing is conceived, created, and consumed.

3D printing and parematric design

Computational Couture is a cutting-edge approach in fashion design that leverages digital technology and computational methods to create customized, intricate garments, transforming traditional fashion into a tech-forward practice. One of the key tools in this movement is 3D printing, which allows designers to fabricate complex, highly detailed pieces that would be challenging to produce by hand. Through 3D printing, garments and accessories can be built layer by layer, making it possible to experiment with new forms, textures, and materials. A powerful software combination for creating these complex designs is Rhino and its visual programming extension, Grasshopper. Rhino, known for its precision in 3D modeling, is widely used in architecture and product design, and in fashion, it offers the ability to develop intricate patterns and surfaces. Grasshopper complements Rhino by enabling designers to create parametric designs, where garment structures are defined by algorithms and can be adjusted in real-time, leading to personalized, responsive fashion pieces. Together, Rhino and Grasshopper facilitate a workflow where designers can iterate quickly, exploring innovative shapes and adapting designs to individual specifications, all while optimizing for material efficiency and sustainability—essential principles in the evolution of fashion through Computational Couture.


Inspiration





Rhino 8 and Grasshopper

Rhino (Rhinoceros) is a powerful 3D modeling software widely used in fields such as architecture, industrial design, and engineering. Known for its versatility, Rhino specializes in creating complex, freeform surfaces and precise NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) geometry. It enables users to create detailed models ranging from simple shapes to intricate, organic forms. Rhino supports a range of file formats, making it easy to integrate with other CAD, CAM, and visualization software, and is valued for its precision, flexibility, and ease of use.

Grasshopper is a visual programming language plugin for Rhino that allows users to create complex parametric designs without traditional coding. Through a node-based editor, users connect components to define relationships and set parameters that control the design. Grasshopper is especially popular for generating organic and computational forms and enables users to explore design iterations quickly. Its flexibility, coupled with its compatibility with Rhino, has made it a popular tool for architects, designers, and artists, as it supports iterative design, optimization, and even integrations with AI and data-driven approaches.

Rhino instalation

Download Rhino 8 from the official website following the installation instructions

Results

Design the piece with the help of one of the tutorials I reviewed during my first review stage.the rhino file needs to be converted to a canva compatible extension. In this case, to be able to print, I established the conditions of "without stops", a print fill of "gyroid". Other important condition to print TPU material were: printing temperature initial layer 230C, and build plate temperature initial layer 65C.

Grasshopper image baked Printing condition Printing fill


* Printing process TPU -


Printing process in TPU material 1 Printing process in TPU material 2 Printing process in PLA material 1


* Printing process PLA -


Printing process in PLA material 1 Printing process in TPU material 3 Printing process in PLA material 1


Conlusion

Using Rhino 8 with Grasshopper for parametric design and 3D printing provides a highly effective workflow for creating complex, optimized, and customized models. Rhino 8's robust 3D modeling capabilities, paired with Grasshopper's parametric design features, allow designers to quickly generate and refine intricate geometries that can be easily adjusted by changing parameters. This flexibility not only accelerates the design process but also opens up new possibilities for creative exploration. The precision and control of Rhino's modeling tools are ideal for ensuring that designs are 3D-printing-ready, reducing errors and improving print quality.

I consider Rhino 8 to be a very powerful tool, I would like to be able to explore the tool more. I liked exploring new materials and structures to print in 3D, since I had only used PLA and made solid structures.

References